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Santa Catalina Island

The Galapagos of the U.S. Santa Catalina Island. Presented by: Margee Haines, Bruce Rudy, Nuyi Tao. Santa Catalina Facts. Volcanic Island, 22-miles from CA 50,000 acres Widest diversity of plants and animals among Channel Islands Economic, recreational, and scientific uses.

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Santa Catalina Island

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  1. The Galapagos of the U.S. Santa Catalina Island Presented by: Margee Haines, Bruce Rudy, Nuyi Tao

  2. Santa Catalina Facts • Volcanic Island, 22-miles from CA • 50,000 acres • Widest diversity of plants and animals among Channel Islands • Economic, recreational, and scientific uses

  3. Ecology of Santa Catalina • Rugged mountains, shallow soils, and an arid climate • Habitat diversity: coastal-sage scrub, grasslands, oak woodland, dunes, and beaches • High plant and animal diversity as well as endemism

  4. Santa Catalina Land Use Facts Private Ownership (1%) Santa Catalina Island Company (11%) Santa Catalina Conservancy (88%)

  5. Historic Human Impacts • Introduction of exotic Plants and Animals • Catalina Thistle, Fennel • Bison, Goats, Pigs, Mule Deer • Livestock and Mining Operations • Disruption of Native Plants • Stream Sedimentation • Erosion • Hydraulic Alteration

  6. Threat #1: Human Impacts • Resident population of 4,000; 1,000,000 visitors per year. • Avalon residential development • Over 200 miles of roads

  7. Threat #2: Invasive Species • Biggest long-term challenge • >30% plant species aren’t native • Threaten natural diversity • Out-compete natives

  8. Threat #3: Sensitive Species • Catalina Island Fox • Bald Eagles • Catalina Mahogany • Beechey Ground Squirrel • Rattleless Rattlesnake • Santa Catalina Monkey Flower

  9. The Santa Catalina Conservancy • Established in 1972 by Wrigley family • Acquired 88% of Island in 1975 (42,000 acres) • Funded by membership dues, large donors and revenue producing operations Mission: To maintain the health of the Island’s species by preserving and restoring habitat and allowing ecological processes to function without major human intervention for future generation.

  10. Conservancy Partnerships • Local Organizations • Local and National chapters of the Sierra Club • Eagles' Nest Lodge • AmeriCorps NCCC west region • The Catalina Island Women’s Forum • Volunteer Naturalist Corps • Local Universities • University of Southern California • University of Reno - Geology

  11. Conservancy Structure • Board of Directors elected by life members • 50 paid staff including 4-person Administrative Office • Informal Consultation from Business and Recreational Users • Formal Consultation from County and State Agencies • Recruitment of Volunteers

  12. Conservancy Goals • Goal #1: Conservation • Habitat Restoration • Control Invasive Species • Maintenance of Native Animals (Island Fox Breeding Program)

  13. Conservancy Goals (cont.) • Goal #2: Education • Natural History Programs • Outings and Workshops • School Programs

  14. Bicycle Map Conservancy Goals (cont.) • Goal #3: Recreation • Hiking • Camping • Biking • Jeep Eco-Tours • Horseback riding

  15. Activities and Projects • Native Plant Nursery • Hayfield Restoration • Island Fox Breeding Program • Rare and Endangered Plant Monitoring

  16. Research • Scientific Research • Established understanding of Island’s biophysical processes • Used to begin restoration process

  17. Monitoring • Plant or vegetation monitoring • Invasive Weed Mapping • Rare Plant Population Searches and Mapping • Island Vegetation Map • Wetland plant communities • Land Bird surveys • Understand how birds and other animals are responding to changes in the island's vegetation

  18. Obstacles • Staff members • Lack background/ education in conservation issues • Lack awareness of island’s unique ecology

  19. Obstacles (cont.) • Tourism • Public/resident-lack of concern and education • Need more coordination of restoration activities

  20. Opportunities • Support from top management • Reasonable funding • Huge population in Southern CA to Volunteer • Expand Partnerships with Research Universities

  21. Future of the Island • The Galapagos of the U.S. • Multiple Opportunities exist • Success through Collaboration

  22. Conservancy Report Card

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